Eliminate common mistakes for a more authentic English writing style.
This practical training helps French-speaking professionals in Quebec identify and correct the most common errors in written English, particularly those influenced by French. Thanks to an approach focused on real-world workplace usage, participants improve the clarity, accuracy, and credibility of their written communications. The training emphasizes effective structures, good word choices, prepositions, and common pitfalls in order to produce more natural and professional texts. This is an essential foundation for writing in English with greater confidence and consistency in any organizational context.
Is it for you ?
French-speaking professionals in Quebec who use written English in their work and want to produce clearer, more natural communications that are consistent with professional practices. The course is intended for employees, managers, self-employed workers, communications professionals, administrative teams, customer service specialists, project managers, consultants, analysts, teachers, and anyone who wants to improve the quality of their written English in a professional setting.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of English.
What You'll Walk Away With
- ✓ Significant improvement in written English accuracy
- ✓ Reducing interference from French in professional texts
- ✓ Clearer and more natural communication
- ✓ More targeted and better mastered vocabulary
- ✓ Increased confidence in writing in English at work
Training content
1 Introduction
This first section defines the linguistic objectives of the training. It also outlines the different categories of errors frequently made by French speakers.
- Presentation of the objectives and learning plan
- Overview of common types of errors such as calques, gallicisms, inappropriate vocabulary, and structures influenced by French
2 Mastering structures to clarify the message
You will cover the essential rules of English structure to make your sentences more natural.
- Order of adverbs and adjectives in a sentence
- Use of hyphens and apostrophes
3 Better understanding English sentence structures
Strengthen your understanding of simple and complex structures to improve your fluency and accuracy.
- Basic and complex structures
- Comparisons between English and French structures
- Common errors and how to avoid them
4 Choosing the right words to express exactly what you mean
This section focuses on vocabulary, prepositions, and lexical choices that change the meaning of a sentence. It helps you eliminate ambiguity and communicate more effectively.
5 Prepositions
- Practical differentiation to choose between in/at/on
- How phrasal verbs work
- Distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs
6 Easily confused words
- Overview of easily confused words such as make and do, speak and talk, watch and look, etc.
- Identification of false friends influenced by French
- Simple rules and tips for choosing the right term
- Presentation of other useful options to enrich vocabulary
7 Unnecessary words
- Spotting overused words such as that, which, the, do, and other calques
- Tips for simplifying, streamlining, and making your sentences sound more natural
8 Consolidating your learning and continuing improvement
Integrate what you have learned into your daily practice
- Apply the concepts in day‑to‑day situations
- Develop a personal action plan
Keep in Mind
Note: Explanations may be provided in French in order to ensure a good understanding of the concepts covered. This course does not include a review of verb tenses, which is covered in Course CM115.
📌 Practical information
Our training sessions are offered in Montreal or Quebec City, in person or in a virtual classroom. Dates and locations are specified when you select your session below. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ.
